Page 11 of Crown of Ellova: Vol 1

“Oh, yes, very much so.” I’m not entirely sure about school schedules, what mortal children learn, or why they wouldn’t be continuing their education.

In Ellova, fae children are called dewlings; their education is integrated into everyday life if they are not at the Ink Court for lessons. Before I can change the topic, he leans in closer, a deep frown on the lips I’ve spent years fantasizing about. After glancing in both directions to see if anyone is paying us any attention, I lean forward, offering him my ear.

“It is best if you are getting away. Jedrick is terribly ill.” His voice is a whisper, lips ever so slightly brushing my ear, sending a shiver down my back.

“I will light some candles for his recovery.” Overwhelmed with his presence, I all but moan the lie.

“Lady Arra, if something happens and I am unable to meet you tonight, promise me something. When you get word that Jedrick has died, do not return here ever again, for any reason, no matter what anyone from the castle says or threatens. Do you understand me?”

The last part is not a suggestion and his words pour ice into my veins, extinguishing any lust that was kindling within me.

“It will no longer be safe for anyone but especially for you once Jedrick passes. I overheard Grayden speaking about you.” His green eyes darken with anger. “You have caught his vile attention, so you must leave. No matter what you hear, when the royal death trumpets blast, stay far away from here.” He pauses before adding in a tender voice, “I will be able to sleep knowing you are safe at the coast. If possible, stay away as long as you can.”

Before I can ask why I suddenly have Grayden’s attention again after years of being ignored by the prince, a group of drunk courtiers surround the table, attempting to take a few bottles of wine we stand in front of. Questions swirl, but whatever he is saying this for, it is not safe to discuss it here, so I only nod.

He lightly touches my elbow, guiding me away from the boisterous lords, but it’s too late.

“Healer!” One of them lifts their glass, spilling some of his red wine down his arm, staining his sleeve. “Come cheers to the king’s health! The jewelry maker can join us!”

Under his breath, Leon mutters, “Fuck.” He leans down to my ear. “Head back to your table and I will be there shortly.”

Without a glance back, I stride towards my table to find a woman standing in front of it. It's not until I pass the vendors closest to me that I hear their whispers.

Princess.

CHAPTER 5

Princess Erenia’s tall frame is covered in a loose gown in such a dark shade of blue it appears black so far away from the dais’s lights. I rush behind my table and curtsy before I peel away the fabric, revealing my jewelry to her.

“Welcome to my table, Princess Erenia.”

She is strikingly gorgeous, with sharp cheekbones and full lips painted with a dark berry stain. Her eyes are a startling, icy blue, and her gaze seems to pierce right through me. I fiddle with my hair, smoothing it down as if she could see my hidden ears. Her face holds no warmth, neither in her expression nor color on her cheeks. Leon has, over the years, commissioned jewelry for her birthdays or holidays, but she and I have never spoken. My only glimpses of her have been while she sat, miserable, on that dais next to her husband.

She looks me up and down with an assessing eye, though it’s not a glance of judgment. “You must be Arra, the darling jewelry maker.”

For a moment, I think she says it to mock me, but her small smile holds no cruelty. “I am a jewelry maker, but I do not claim to be darling.”

She finally looks down at the gold before her and selects mysmallest piece, a small ring with a delicate blue stone in the center. She smiles a little wider at that as she tries it on. “Oh, I think Leon would wholeheartedly disagree with you.”

“I don’t?—”

She holds up her hand. The small ring is a perfect fit. “I’ll take it.” She hands over a large coin bag, with enough coins to buy twenty rings.

“This is far too much.” Her generosity is too kind, but when I try to only take what the ring is worth out of the bag, she covers my hand with hers.

“Take it. Use it.” Erenia pushes my hand towards me. “I wish you the best.” She turns suddenly and strides away, leaving me with more questions. Why would she wish me the best?

A twinge of trepidation at her last words lingers. Does she know what Leon is about to tell me?

As if my thoughts have called to him, he appears again, staying near the edges of the crowd.

I should make an attempt to look busy or feign interest in the play in case someone is watching, but I cannot pretend to look away at his approach. He gives me a warm smile as he approaches me. “Hello again.” His voice is low and smoother than honey when he stands before me.

“Hello.” That damn pull towards him starts low within me, and I am lost in his presence.

“Lady Arra?”

Having stopped listening to whatever he was saying, I have no elegant response for him. “Huh?”

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